The very thought of such high altitude noise has aggravated consumers, politicians and flight attendants. Nobody wants the pollution.

Deep breaths, then. This is much ado about nothing.

The FCC's decision is really a technical one. Technology has evolved in the 20 years since the ban was put in place. Airlines are now capable of ensuring in-flight phone usage isn't a safety hazard and won't create any interference.

While the American public appears to be against phone calls on planes, it also supports the use of data and texting above 10,000 feet.

But to have data and texting on planes, the FCC needs to change its rules.

Even then, a rule change wouldn't force airlines to allow phone calls on planes. It just would give the airlines the option of allowing them. In theory, some airlines might allow it, and others might not. Delta officials already have said they will not allow passenger cellphone conversations in the sky.

The end results could be selective with phone calls allowed on some flights, but not on others, or placing limits on the number of phone calls at any given time on an airplane.

But even this appears unlikely.

Just as the FCC is considering a rule change, the Department of Transportation is considering using its authority to ban phone calls on planes but allow texting and using data.

This reflects what most Americans appear to be comfortable with, and we support such an outcome. It's a fine compromise, guarding against poor phone protocol.

If, for some reason, a ban on phone calls on planes is beyond the Department of Transportation's purview, several lawmakers have drafted legislation to address the issue.

Still, fear about annoying talkers appears overblown. European airlines have allowed in-flight calls for years without problems. And a 2012 study by the Federal Aviation Administration found no reports of air rage due to annoying talkers or safety concerns due to technical interference.

Bottom line: Limiting in-flight cellphone use to texting and data sounds fine, but we probably won't have to worry about annoying phone calls.